SCHS signs a MOU with Plena Inclusion Madrid

The agreement aims to adopt a training program for using Easy-to-Read in accordance with Arabic standards through the "Train2Validate" project supported by the European Union. This training program will be made virtually available in Arabic in addition to other languages, such as English and Spanish, and will be free of charge. 

Easy-to-Read is a type of assistive reading technology that aims to make information easier to access for those with learning disabilities and mental health issues by breaking down complex information into written texts in an understandable and straightforward manner and utilizing illustrative images that adhere to certain standards.

SCHS is progressing steadily as a pioneer in developing Easy-to-Read standards in the Arabic language. SCHS has become the first institution to prepare these standards. SCHS prepared approximately 40 files using Easy-to-Read method, including files that helped voters with mental disabilities to participate effectively in the elections for the Federal National Council and the Consultative Council in Sharjah.

To break down barriers to communication and make it easier for everyone to understand basic information for more inclusive societies, the Director General of SCHS, Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, stated that this partnership expresses the shared commitment to enhancing the rights and independence of people with mental disabilities through the use and implementation of Easy-to-Read materials in the Arabic language. 

For his part, Director of the Plena Inclusion Madrid, Mr. Javier Luongo Vicente, said, “We celebrate this important agreement for us through this collaborative work. The Train2Validate initiative will remain alive in other countries and languages and easy reading will be useful to more residents. In this way, we hope our work continues to have a beneficial societal impact. We are happy to start a great cooperation with SCHS.”

This cooperation is a strategic step that reflects the commitment to promoting human rights and sustainable development, and comes within global efforts to enhance access to information and services in simple and easy-to-understand ways for all segments of society between SCHS, which is considered the first Emirati institution that provides services to people with disabilities with the aim of enhancing their empowerment and effective participation in community, and between Plena Inclusion Madrid, the Spanish institution that works to support the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote their social integration.